Technical Abstract:
In the spring of 2012, extremely high temperatures were recorded in the upper Midwest during the month of March. This sustained heat wave not only made March the warmest on record, but also induced remarkably fast development of arthropods and plants. In terms of degree-days, however, the arthropod and plant developmental stages were relatively normal. By keeping track of degree-day running totals during the spring, the “early” initiation of moth flights (cranberry fruitworm, Sparganothis fruitworm, and black-headed fireworm) was accurately predicted. Historic patterns of moth emergence and peak-flight for each of the top moth pests will be discussed in light of degree-day accumulation.